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Search the Public Notice PortalA bid to transform a seafront hotel in a ‘very poor state of repair’ into six apartments has been authorised by the Isle of Wight Council.
County Hall granted Harry Roe consent to transform the Esplanade Hotel, 32 Esplanade in Shanklin, into six two-bedroom flats.
The approval comes with eight conditions relating to legal and planning policy compliance, the interests of local amenity, privacy protection, adequate waste storage and the Shanklin Conservation Area.
Four objections were filed, with concerns such as harm to tourism from a loss of much-needed visitor accommodation, setting a precedent for other seafront holiday properties to change status and new homes on the Esplanade being almost certainly ‘out of the price range’ of most Islanders.
There were also four representations in support, one of which was from Shanklin Town Council.
Arguments in favour included the building not being viable as holiday accommodation after being on the market for nearly three years and the alternative being ‘further deterioration’.
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Shanklin resident Karen McDowell said: “Should newly refurbished residential apartments be allowed on the Esplanade, they would almost certainly be out of the price range of most of the Islanders, so this would not help with the need to build affordable homes.
“The residents would also not need to frequent the well-established businesses that cater for the tourists on the sea front. However, six new holiday let apartments would generate significant foot fall for all the sea front businesses.
“Our Shanklin Seafront is a magical place, and we wish for it to continue to thrive. You only have to look to neighbouring Sandown to see what can easily happen when there are not enough tourists to keep a place alive.”
By contrast, Sandy Nordbruch, who also lives in the town, told the council: “This property has been empty for years due to change of use/ planning alterations being denied. It is ruining the look of the esplanade.
“Surely it is better to allow change of use and residential flats rather than leave it to deteriorate further. Ventnor seafront has a mix of residential, and holiday lets and that development has greatly improved the area.
“If denied, I can foresee this property becoming a major problem, like those in Sandown.”
County Hall has not yet published a decision report on application 25/01844/FUL.
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